Gold-plated: Serial entrepreneur mints new new venue in former bank — cashing in on built-in vault, history

A refurbished events space in Lenexa not only deposits new life into a former structure along a busy Johnson County thoroughfare, said Steve Beaumont; the project near 95th Street and I-35 represents a fusion of history and innovation.

Steve Beaumont, The Mint Kansas City; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“For 50 years, this corner has been a cornerstone of financial activity,” said Beaumont, the owner-developer behind The Mint Kansas City. “We saw the chance to offer a truly distinctive experience by integrating elements from the bank’s storied past into the fabric of this new venue.”

Construction on The Mint — former Bank of America building at 12345 W. 95th St. in Lenexa — wrapped up in late April. The venue hosted a ribbon cutting with the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce earlier this month.

Among the space’s most anticipated features is The Vault bar, housed within the former bank vault. Visitors will also have access to The Mint’s east side lounge, home to Kansas City’s first Opti-Mist vapor hologram fireplace and a secret entrance from the outside, allowing brides, grooms, or guests of honor to make a dramatic surprise entry.

Today we celebrated the highly-anticipated grand opening and ribbon cutting at The Mint with Mayor Julie Sayers! The Mint is a luxury wedding, event, and meetings venue and is KC’s first bank-inspired event space located at 95th Street and I-35 in #Lenexa! pic.twitter.com/ObiZDEGcZJ

— Lenexa Chamber (@LenexaChamber) May 8, 2024

The Mint Kansas City; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

The Mint Kansas City; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Bank of America departed the 95th Street site in June 2023. Beaumont, who has held the property for 25 years — and also owns such popular attractions as Chateau Avalon Hotel and ​​Avent Orangery in Kansas City — seized the opportunity to create the most unique event space in Johnson County and one of the biggest by square feet in the metro, he said. 

The bridal suite, for example, spans 1,100 square feet, making it a luxurious haven featuring a lounge area, makeup room for six bridesmaids, vanity space, and a bedroom with a full bathroom and walk-in shower, Beaumont said. Downstairs, an arcade space provides entertainment for adults and children alike, while the Groom Saloon offers a contemporary-western retreat with the surprise bonus of a subterranean cigar lounge.

The space also features two large separate event halls, which allow for weddings, dances or galas in one hall while the other venue is prepared for a banquet.

Reservations at The Mint are now open for events throughout the remainder of 2024. Beaumont and his team are offering tours to brides, families, and corporate event and meeting planners.

Innovating its approach to event decor, The Mint offers a unique service that encourages couples to showcase their centerpieces and decor. The venue will then purchase, inventory, and create a showroom for rental.

The concept not only adds a personal touch to the event, Beaumont said, but also simplifies the cleanup process for couples, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the joy of their special day without worrying about post-event cleanup.

Click here to explore The Mint, which was revitalized in collaboration with Lenexa-based Klover Architects and Overland Park-based MKEC Engineering Inc.